Giving thanks and kudos

Great teachers

As I pull into the parent drop off-pick up lane at Memorial Elementary, I think to myself, "Wow, these teachers sure are so devoted to their jobs." When it is cold, all bundled up, they are out there making sure that our "little angels" get out of the car and into the school safely. If it's raining, they are out there with their umbrellas making sure our "little sweeties" don't get wet.

I have such admiration for their devotion to our kids. They take work home so that our children can get their test-quiz scores quickly. They grade papers during their lunch time. They take home crafts so that we can get that lovely cut out heart for Valentine's Day. They work past their usual day during report card pick up or music and chorus concerts. They travel to different schools, on their time, to help their classes with science fair projects, games or a number of different activities.

The list goes on and on. They go out of their way to give our children the education they will need to be a success in life. All because they care to make a difference! It certainly isn't for the pay, benefits or hours. It is because of their devotion to our children.

We as parents need to be a little more appreciative of all of the great teachers in our schools. After all, they look out for our kids all day long. They make sure they are learning what they need to. They try to keep our kids focused on what is important and they try to instill in them self esteem, discipline and respect.

It should not be left all to our teachers. If kids don't make it to a higher education and become successful educated adults, we shouldn't blame our schools or the teachers. They have done their job. We need to stand back and take a look at what we as parents are doing to influence our children to make the right choices along the way.

We are grateful to our schools and the teachers that run them so efficiently. Because of them our children are getting a great education and together we are preparing them for that great battle which is everyday life.

Lily Oliva

Sebring

Successful banquet

We'd like to offer some pats-on-the-back for several folks who helped turn the annual banquet of the Historical Society of Avon Park into a solid success Feb. 6.

Sharon Schuler, general manager of the Hotel Jacaranda and her staff, provided a gem of a setting, delicious food and good, cheerful service.

The tables were made even more attractive because of the donation of floral arrangements from Steve and Nell Roberts of Ridge Florist as they have done so many times over the years.

And Cathy Albritton, director of marketing and community relations at Florida Hospital added to the theme of the program by Dr. Donald Geldart through her creation of an exhibit on local medical history.

Thanks, folks, for helping to make for an evening of memorable moments.

Nancy Weber, Banquet Chairperson

Larry Levey, Society President

Avon Park

Good care

The family of Charles E. Patterson would like to thank Highlands Regional Medical Center Intensive Care Unit, and Dr. Nick Ausaf, Dr. Daniel Parnassa, Dr. Bipin Bhatt, and Dr. Jorge Santos as well as the staff of Good Shepherd Hospice for the warm expressions of care, support and compassion on the recent loss of our husband, father and grandfather.

We take great comfort in knowing he was well taken care of during this time and would like to extend our blessings to all.

Thank you!

Becky Rezner

Sebring

Antique appraisal luncheon

Gamma Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International would like to thank everyone who made the first Antique Appraisal Luncheon a success on Saturday, Feb. 13.

The funds from this event support the Dot Clark Memorial Scholarship Fund, which assists education majors completing their last two years of college to become teachers in Highlands County.

A very special thank you to the appraisers Jim and Jody Dow from The Furniture Doctors and to First United Methodist Church for allowing us to use their Family Life Center; Jim Ladd for coordinating our use of the facility; Tom McKnight for running the sound system; Mae Lee's International Deli for setting up a wonderful buffet; Sebring Hairport for a door prize of basket of hair products; Highlands Little Theatre for a door prize of tickets, a shirt and HLT books; Martie Brooker for a door prize from Southern Living Home and Diane Lethbridge for a door prize of a restaurant gift certificate.

Thank you to all of the chapter members that assisted with decorations, setting up, cleaning up, collecting money and selling tickets.

Your hard work made this event a success. Delta Kappa Gamma is a society of outstanding women educators.

For membership information call Diane Lethbridge at Sun 'n Lake Elementary School.

Olivia Scott, Event Chairperson

Sebring